A contract translator for the FBI has received the support of family members of Sept. 11 victims, who along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) will hold a press conference Jan. 26 to protest the government's treatment of employees who expose mistakes or abuse in national security units.

Sibel Edmonds, the former FBI translator, raised allegations of fraud and espionage within her division from September 2001 to March 2002. Investigators from the Justice Department inspector general's office said in a report released Jan. 14 that they believe the FBI dismissed her in part because of her allegations.

"She challenged her retaliatory dismissal by filing suit in federal court. Last July, the district court dismissed her case when Attorney General John Ashcroft invoked the so-called state secrets privilege. The ACLU is representing Edmonds in the appeal," the ACLU said in a press release Friday.

Edmonds translated Turkish and Farsi materials into English for the FBI during her employment there. She claimed her division had been compromised by at least one target of FBI surveillance. Although the Justice IG found evidence to support her claims, the office concluded she did not enjoy whistleblower protection because of her contractor status.

The Jan. 26 press conference, to be held at the National Press Club in Washington, will feature Edmonds, FBI whistleblower Mike German, Sept. 11 families advocate Bill Doyle and speakers from the ACLU, among others.